Exploring art in its many incarnations

Sketch

Hi everyone, I just did a quick sketch to test out Strathmore 500 Charcoal paper. The paper is in pad-form (approximately 9 x12) but it also comes in large single sheets.

The good stuff: it’s archival and 100% cotton and not too expensive (about half the price of Stonehenge paper)

The possibly not so good stuff: laid texture (good if you like it), thinness

For me this paper’s laid texture is too pronounced, especially in this size format. It’s hard to blend if you want a softer look. The texture also makes it harder to erase with your putty which makes it harder if you like to work carving by out highlights. Also, the texture heaviness might not be so pronounced, if you use the larger size single sheets that are available. For some, the laid texture might be just what they are looking for but it would have been nice to have had a choice.

The other thing is the thinness of the paper (64lb, 95g/m2). It does not bother me at this size but in larger sizes, it would be easier to flop around and cause dents.

Overall, some might love this paper for the same reasons that some might dislike this paper.